RYA First Aid Certificate
First aid for water-based activities
First aid is a vital skill in all walks of life but even more so when you are further from help. Boating is generally a safe pastime, however it is important to know what to do in the event of an 
emergency, as a little knowledge can go a long way, especially on the water.
First aid situations at sea (or on any body of water) present their own additional challenges and this course covers all the usual skills but from a marine perspective. The course syllabus is based on recommendations from the HSE and the MCA.
During this 1-day, classroom based course, the following topics will be covered:
- CPR, including the drowning protocol
- Recovery position, including in a confined space
- Controlling bleeding
- Recognising and treating shock
- Cold shock and immersion/exposure hypothermia
- Head injuries
- Seasickness and dehydration
- Other medical conditions
- Suitable first aid equipment
- Medical assistance or advice by VHF
- Helicopter rescue
Duration
1 day
Pre-requisites
None
Knowledge after course
By the end of this course, students should feel confident dealing with a variety of medical emergencies and conditions, with a particular emphasis on those arising from water-based activities.
The RYA First Aid certificate is valid for three years and fulfils the requirements for:
- Professional skippers of small craft working within 60 miles of a safe haven, including Boatmasters*
- The Senior First Aid certificate needed by offshore racers subject to ISAF’s regulations on first aid training (OSR 4.08.4)
- Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981, for the purposes of Emergency First Aid at Work
- RYA Practical Instructor validation
*If you intend to use your RYA First Aid certificate to skipper MCA coded vessels, you will need to have an awareness of the contents of Category C Medical Stores (including the pocket mask). Please mention this at the time of booking
Client Feedback
” I have attended well over 20 first aid courses (annual updates were a work requirment) and I would judge Rob’s course to be the best of the 1-day variety. The sequencing, pace and timing was excellent and there was plenty of time for discussion and questions.”
Richard, February 2016
“A slick and professional presentation that involved the client as much as could be expected.”
David, February 2016
“I think the course was pitched about right for RYA instructors etc. and felt that there was a good
leaning towards water based activities whilst adequately covering the more general aspects of first aid.”John, February 2016
“Excellent pace and response to experience of candidates.”
Tom, March 2016
“Very thorough course, well delivered with plenty of practical examples. Time well spent.”
Mairi, March 2016
“Excellent course, very well presented. Inclusive of all attending, easy to absorb information, very clear. Enjoyed course.”
Sheena, March 2016
“This is by far the best first aid course I’ve attended (third). Really good. Relevant and very well presented by Rob, obviously knowledgable and good style of approach.”
Gordon, March 2016
“Foucs on sea-going issues excellent. Third and best course.”
Ian, March 2016
What’s included?
- Detailed tuition from an RYA First Aid Instructor, using a range of training aids
- Access to CPR training manikins and other first aid equipment
- Comfortable classroom environment
- Copy of the RYA First Aid Book
- Tea, coffee & biscuits
What you need to bring
- Pen and paper
- Packed lunch
Location
The course will be run at Kessock Lifeboat Station, in North Kessock, near Inverness
Dates Winter
No scheduled dates at present- please contact us for further information.
This course can also be run on demand, at any suitable venue (minimum 3 people required). Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Cost
£95pp
Booking
To book a place on this course, please contact us by email or phone. Please state the course and date you are interested in and we will provide you with a booking form to complete.
A 20% deposit is required to secure a place and the full balance of payment will be required no later than 6 weeks prior to the commencement of the course.
